Who is Avishai Edelman? Let’s Unravel his Story.

I believe that smiles are the greatest source of light and happiness. Whether it’s strangers on the street, my family and friends, my campers at summer camp, the talented little league players I coached, or the incredible kids with special needs at The Friendship Circle where I volunteered, I see how a simple smile can spread joy to everyone around.

Have you ever done security work or visited Germany without actually being there? Well, I have! I’ve had the opportunity to protect the very community I grew up in through being trained as part of the Community Security Service (CSS) at my home synagogue and help a community garden thrive in the German Colony of Jerusalem. I deeply value supporting others through love and kindness and try to do this through both my disposition and my actions!

Nowadays, as a student at the University of Hartford majoring in communications, when I am not in class, I am often hard at work preparing for class. Since being diagnosed with a learning disability as a young child, I have had difficulty with auditory processing and reading comprehension. However, because I have worked hard, and am very organized, I have been successful in my studies. 

When not in class, you can often find me at the Hillel center. As a member of the Hillel Board, first as the Jewish Sabbath Chair running the Sabbath dinners every week, then later as the Jewish Life Chair running the Jewish holiday events, I take pride in helping to build community on campus. In addition, you also find me at the Hillel Center or on Hillel outings baking challah, playing games, going apple picking, bowling, supporting my peers and hanging out with all my friends. 

However, the most important value to me is family. Being the oldest of all my cousins gave me the ability to see all of them grow up to being the incredible people they are today. Additionally, I was blessed to have gotten to know five of my great grandparents and was particularly close with my Bubbie Little who lived to the ripe old age of 101. Spending holidays, sleepovers, special occasions and just random gatherings is like having a New Years Party every time.